21/10/2026
This is the biggest influence in equine back health once the saddle is correctly fitted. We as riders need to look at our own body asymmetry, balance & position in the saddle as this has great influence on the horses way of going, saddle balance & back health. Through off horse conditioning these issues can be greatly improved. The need for correct and educated equine practitioners to treat our horses through gait analysis, movement, balance & body symmetry with body work modalities is also essential, but the 2 go hand in hand😊
We spend a lot of time looking for asymmetry in our horses. But how often do we look at ourselves?
A recent peer-reviewed review, 'A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities', published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, found that rider posture, balance and asymmetry can influence the forces placed on the horse’s back and affect the horse’s movement.
Riders may show left–right differences in pelvic position, shoulder height and stirrup loading, and importantly, many riders may not be fully aware of their own imbalance.
Research has also shown that rider asymmetry can alter the way the horse moves and change how force is distributed through the saddle.
The good news? These are things we can work on.
Core strength, balance, mobility, proprioception, physiotherapy and other off-horse conditioning may all help riders become more stable and symmetrical in the saddle.
The review also noted that riders often devote far more attention to preparing and conditioning their horse than to their own bodies.
So next time your horse feels stronger on one rein, falls through a shoulder or seems uneven beneath you, it may be worth asking:
“What am I contributing to the picture?”
Perfect symmetry probably isn’t realistic for horse or rider. But becoming more aware of our own posture, strength and movement is another way we can support the comfort and welfare of the horse underneath us.
